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‘Arc en Ciel’ has been lying dormant for the past 20 years or so. But thanks to a grant from Oxford Properties, the TORONTO Transit Commission is ready to embark on a $500,000 illumination project at YORKDALE subway station.

Created in 1978 by Canadian light sculptor MICHAEL HAYDEN, the rainbow-painted glass tubes on the roof would light up when trains entered and left the station. But when it stopped working, it was deemed too costly to repair.

Enter Oxford Properties, the company behind Yorkdale Shopping Centre, with cash in hand.

<PHOTO ABOVE – McMaster Museum of Art>

Michael Hayden, studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD). Working with light and neon, he’s done similar projects around the world, including a spectacular one at CHICAGO’s O’Hare International Airport, others at the Max Bell Theatre in CALGARY and EDMONTON International Airport. He’s had over 30 solo exhibitions in Canada, the US and Europe.

MICHAEL HAYDEN –“I don’t think there was great wisdom in throwing the piece out. I was just some hippie from TORONTO who did some art, and they threw it away. I’m glad it’s going back in. It”s going to be a more contemporary piece.”– Metro News, July/2016